Novak Djokovic: Veterna star feels extra spark chasing 2021 Slam sweep

Top-ranked men’s tennis star Novak Djokovic says winning the US Open to finish a calendar-year Grand Slam would be the greatest feat of his career.

Djokovic, 34, takes 20 Grand Slam singles titles into the New York hard court fortnight, matching Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the men’s all-time record.

Rod Laver is the only man to have swept the four major singles titles in one year, a feat achieved in 1969.

“It’s an easy question. Yes, it would be,” Djokovic said when asked if the calendar Slam would be his greatest achievement.

“I know how big of an opportunity is in front of me here in New York, where historically I’ve played really well over the years. It’s probably the most entertaining tennis court that we have. Crowd will be back on stadium.

“I can’t wait. Honestly I’m very motivated to play my best tennis.”

Djokovic called the 2021 Slam sweep possibility a “guiding star” as he chases a fourth US Open crown after 2011, 2015 and 2018.

Nadal and Federer will not play in New York due to injuries, leaving Djokovic to feel the spotlight without his “Big Three” rivals but with three young rising star rivals in Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Olympic champion Alexander Zverev.

“I feel it. I know there’s a lot of people who are going to be watching my matches and expecting me to do well and fight for a Slam,” Djokovic said.

“At the same time, regardless of Roger’s and Rafa’s absence, you still have tremendous quality tennis players that are probably right now on hot streak, like Zverev, Medvedev, Tsitsipas, those are the three top contenders I see for the title.

“I’ve been in this situation numerous times in my life. There’s a slight difference in terms of what’s at stake and the feeling towards that, but I don’t give it too big a significance on a daily basis because I’m trying to be in the present moment.”

Djokovic has avoided injury, although he skipped a planned tune-up start at Cincinnati for extra rest after a fourth-place showing in the Tokyo Olympics.

COURTESY